@ seashell, just a note that the bags had been inspected and the cut locks were placed in the jumbled mess in the suitcase. They also sliced open the plastic inside bottom of the suitcase, I guess they thought it was a false bottom. I understand that bags have to be deemed 'safe' but still a creepy feeling knowing that someone has been all through your stuff, kinda like when a burglar goes through your bedroom drawers. Small price to pay I guess.

Wow, what a mess! Sounds like you need a new suitcase anyway. Get one with the lock built in, and no false bottom, hee hee.

Haha That's the plan seashell....

I use the plastic-wrap services when I travel. TSA can get insist on cutting the bag open and if they do, the wrapping service reseals it. Nobody is going to casually take that stuff off to riffle through your bags and do a quick theft. It also protects you against an overstuffed bag popping the zipper, and further keeps the bag from being scratched all to heck.
I find the extra 10 dollars well worth it for peace of mind.